Re-elect U.S. Rep. Lois Frankel, District 22

U.S. Rep. Lois Frankel understands the maxim made famous by the late House speaker Tip O'Neill: "All politics is local." Since her election in 2012, she has used her position in Washington to focus attention on issues that directly affect her South Florida constituents.

Frankel, 66, has been an effective representative for Florida's 22nd congressional district, and the Sun-Sentinel Editorial Board recommends that on Nov. 4 voters return her to office.

Frankel has been a tireless proponent of the expansion and deepening of Port Everglades, a project vital to the economic well being of Broward County. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has not yet given the go-ahead, but after nearly two decades of dithering and delay, progress finally is being made in pushing the project forward, thanks in no small measure to Frankel.

The congresswoman also has kept a sharp eye on All Aboard Florida, the proposed intercity passenger train link between Miami and Orlando. A former mayor of West Palm Beach, Frankel understands the impact a project like this can have on communities, both positive and negative. She has pushed the project's backers to take steps to mitigate the ill effects, such as excessive noise in neighborhoods and downtown entertainment areas.

So-called "sober houses," which have been proliferating in South Florida, also are a concern of Frankel's. She supports rehabilitation efforts for addicts and alcoholics, but recognizes the need to regulate these group homes. She has been seeking clarification from federal departments on steps communities and the state can legally take to impose regulations

As a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Frankel is well-versed on international issues. She demonstrated an independent streak recently by voting against a measure sought by President Obama and backed by Democratic House leaders authorizing the arming and training of Syrian rebels. She was concerned that the idea had not been sufficiently debated and that the unintended consequences could be severe.

Frankel is opposed by Republican Paul Spain, 67, a financial planner who lives in Delray Beach. Spain is a newcomer to politics who advocates for smaller government and less government spending but still wants to see Congress do better in getting results.

Spain's problem is he is running against an incumbent who has had success in representing the district's interests. Frankel is the better choice, and voters would do well to re-elect her.